John was born on Jan. 12, 1940 in Dillon, S.C. and grew up and attended school in Maxton. He entered the U. S. Army in October of 1958, retiring in October 1988. He served tours in Korea, Vietnam, Okinawa, and Germany. His medals include the Army Commendation Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Legion of Merit with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major.
On July 3, 1982, he married Candace “Candy” Fay Clark in St. Paul, Minn. They moved to northern Minnesota in 1995 where they attended the Balsam Bible Chapel. John drove a school bus for Independent School District 318 for 17 years. He was loved by so many people because he was a truly caring and honorable man. Perhaps a fitting tribute was written by his nephew to John’s children: “I am so glad you can be proud of the life your Dad led. I like to reserve the title ‘Great American’ for those of his stature. God bless you ‘Sir’.”
John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ray Driggers, and his sister Eunice (John Hugh) Warwick.
He is survived by his wife Candace, daughter, Rachel (Jesse) Stover of Mill Shoals, Ill., sons Clinton (Joyce) Driggers of Pelion, S.C. and Vincent (Gretchen) Waide of Hot Springs Village, Ark., sisters Betty Lou (Laurin J.) Young of Laurinburg and Frances (Boyce) Coble of Seven Springs, brothers Gene (Margaret) Driggers and Ricky (Dawn) Driggers, both of Hamer, S.C., and four beautiful granddaughters who were the light of his life: Alisha, Becca, Josie, and Cassidy. He was greatly loved by his brothers and sisters-in-law.
A memorial service with full military honors was held on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. in the Balsam Bible Chapel. The Rev. Frank Knoop officiated.
Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home and Crematory of Grand Rapids, Minn.
To sign the online guest book or send condolences, visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
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